Obama-KCHS commencement finalized

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - Details about President Barack Obama's commencement speech for Kalamazoo Central High School have been finalized.

The event will take place at 7 p.m. June 7 at University Arena on the campus of Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Public Schools said in a news release. 24 Hour News 8 will provide complete, live coverage of President Obama's visit to Kalamazoo.

The President chose Kalamazoo Central in the inaugural Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge.

Each of the 300 Kalamazoo Central graduates will receive eight tickets.

2010 graduates from Loy Norrix High School and Phoenix High School will each get a ticket to sit in the stands. Their graduation ceremonies will be held on other days.

Kalamazoo Central students, grades 9 to 11, will have an opportunity to obtain tickets through a school lottery.

There will be no tickets available to the general public.

Doors will open to ticketed guests at 4:30 p.m.

Kalamazoo Public Schools will provide big screen live coverage of the commencement at Chenery Auditorium and in the theaters at Loy Norrix and Kalamazoo Central high schools.

Tickets are free but will be limited to a maximum of six per person to assure everyone who wants to attend will be able to. Tickets may be picked up in the main lobby of the Administration Building, 1220 Howard Street, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, May 26, 27, and 28, from 3-5 p.m. For more information, please call 337-1572.

University Arena can seat 5,000 people, which is about 1,000 more than Wings Stadium, which was originally selected as the site for the commencement.